cave

Caves are natural openings in rock large enough for human entry. This topic is part of Physical Geography within Geography. This page currently draws on 44 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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cave trivia questions

A cave is a natural underground opening large enough for what?

Answer: A person to enter

Bonus fact: Caves are natural openings in rock large enough for human entry.

What mineral deposit hangs downward from the ceiling of a limestone cave?

Answer: Stalactite

Bonus fact: Stalactites form on cave ceilings, while stalagmites grow upward from cave floors.

Most large limestone caves form through the dissolution of rock by water containing weak what acid?

Answer: Carbonic acid

Bonus fact: Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide and forms weak carbonic acid that can slowly dissolve limestone.

Many caves form when slightly acidic groundwater dissolves what rock?

Answer: Limestone

Bonus fact: Carbonic acid in water dissolves calcium carbonate.

What mineral commonly forms limestone cave stalactites?

Answer: Calcite

Bonus fact: Calcium carbonate precipitates from dripping water.

Cave paintings were made by prehistoric people on what surfaces?

Answer: Cave walls and ceilings

Bonus fact: Many depict animals and human-like figures.

Which French cave is famous for Paleolithic paintings of animals?

Answer: Lascaux

Bonus fact: Lascaux was discovered in 1940.

What mineral pigment commonly produced red and yellow colors in cave art?

Answer: Ochre

Bonus fact: Iron-rich ochres survive for tens of thousands of years.

Stalactites grow from which part of a cave?

Answer: Ceiling

Bonus fact: Stalactites hang downward.

Stalagmites grow upward from which part of a cave?

Answer: Floor

Bonus fact: They build beneath dripping water.

What common cave mineral forms most stalagmites?

Answer: Calcite

Bonus fact: Calcium carbonate accumulates layer by layer.

What cave feature can form when a growing stalactite connects with a stalagmite?

Answer: Column

Bonus fact: Continued deposition can connect ceiling and floor.

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